Arsenal Football Club have finalized a big deal to sign Sporting CP’s prolific Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres for a fixed fee of £55m (€63.5m), with up to £8.6m (€10m) in performance-related add-ons, according to sources close to the negotiations. The 27-year-old, who has been Mikel Arteta’s top transfer target this summer, is set to undergo a medical in Singapore during Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia, with an announcement expected within the next 24 hours.
The Gunners moved swiftly to secure Gyokeres after talks with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko stalled earlier in the window. The Sweden international, who scored an astonishing 54 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions last season, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League, is seen as the missing piece to bolster Arsenal’s attack. His arrival addresses the club’s need for a clinical No. 9, following a 2024-25 Premier League campaign where they finished second, 10 points behind champions Liverpool, hampered by injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting CP were protracted, with Sporting president Frederico Varandas initially holding firm on a €70m valuation. Tensions escalated when Gyökeres failed to report for Sporting’s pre-season training, prompting threats of disciplinary action. However, a breakthrough came when Gyokeres’ agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, waived his commission, facilitating a deal that sees Sporting net a higher upfront fee. The striker has agreed personal terms on a five-year contract with Arsenal, signaling his intent to return to English football after stints with Brighton & Hove Albion and Coventry City.
“Viktor Gyökeres is a proven goal scorer with the physicality and versatility to thrive in the Premier League,” said Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, who led negotiations in Lisbon. “His addition gives us a new dimension and the firepower to compete for the title.”
Gyökeres’ remarkable record at Sporting, 97 goals in 102 matches since joining from Coventry for £20m in 2023—has made him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards. His relentless running, explosive pace, and ability to finish half-chances have drawn comparisons to a “battering ram” in attack, though analysts note his lack of headed goals may require adaptation to Arsenal’s patient, pass-heavy style. Former England striker Alan Shearer praised the signing, stating on The Rest is Football podcast, “His numbers are off the charts. In this Arsenal team, he will score goals, no doubt.”
The signing marks Arsenal’s fifth major acquisition this summer, following the arrivals of Martin Zubimendi (£51m from Real Sociedad), Christian Norgaard (£15m from Brentford), Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5m from Chelsea), and Noni Madueke (£52m from Chelsea). With Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera also close to joining for £13m, Arteta’s squad is taking shape ahead of their Premier League opener against Manchester United on August 17.
With the transfer window open until September, Arsenal remain linked with Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, though financial constraints may limit further big moves unless players like Oleksandr Zinchenko or Leandro Trossard are sold. For now, Gyökeres’ imminent arrival has sent a wave of excitement through the Emirates, with fans eagerly awaiting his debut in the red and white.
